Top 7 Cat Litter Boxes Recommended by Experts

Cats are notoriously selective creatures, from their meals to their favorite resting places. It’s no wonder that pet owners often find their feline friends equally particular about their litter boxes.

Today’s litter boxes range from top-entry designs that minimize spills to self-cleaning models that eliminate daily maintenance. Beyond looks, functionality is key, especially for older cats with limited mobility or for those needing portable options.

To help cat owners make informed decisions, we consulted veterinarians and pet specialists for their insights and recommendations on the best litter boxes available today.

Everything You Need to Know About Cat Litter Boxes

If you’re new to cat ownership, one of the most common questions is about the ideal size of a litter box. Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, the primary care director at Bond Vet in New York City, advises that the box should be spacious enough for your cat to turn around and dig comfortably.

A practical guideline is to choose a box that’s approximately one to one-and-a-half times your cat’s length. Accessibility and privacy are also crucial. Dr. Fadl suggests opting for boxes with low sides or easy entry points to accommodate cats of all ages and sizes. Some cats may prefer covered or enclosed boxes for added privacy.

Cats generally favor larger litter boxes, and a cramped or hard-to-access box can lead to undesirable behaviors, such as avoiding the box altogether. Additionally, the location of the litter box plays a significant role in your cat’s comfort.

Dr. Mikel Delgado, a certified cat behavior specialist at Rover.com, advises against placing litter boxes in closets, basements, garages, or furniture designed to conceal them. Instead, she recommends positioning the box in quiet, familiar areas where your cat feels secure and can still observe its surroundings.

Some areas should remain off-limits for litter boxes. Dr. Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian at The Vets in Denver, Colorado, advises against placing litter boxes near food or water bowls to ensure hygiene. In multi-cat homes, sharing a single litter box can lead to issues.

Dr. Caos recommends having one litter box per cat, plus an additional one. Placing these boxes in various locations around the house offers cats more choices and helps prevent conflicts or overcrowding.

After selecting the right litter box, the next step is choosing the appropriate cat litter. Clay-based clumping litter is a popular choice for its ease of scooping urine and waste. Since most litter boxes are made of smooth, nonporous plastic, clumping litter simplifies the cleaning process.

When it comes to scooping, doing it once or twice a week isn’t enough. Dr. Delgado emphasizes that cats need a clean space to eliminate, and skipping daily scooping can make the experience unpleasant for them.

For the best results, clean the litter box after each use. Daily scooping minimizes odor, benefiting both you and your cat. If this seems overwhelming, consider litter boxes with removable liners (starting at $3) or features like sifters and built-in cleaning mechanisms, as suggested by Dr. Delgado.

Top Cat Litter Boxes for Every Feline Need

1. Best Odor-Control Cat Litter Box: Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box; Starting at $40

Cat ownership often comes with dealing with unpleasant odors. Experts recommend litter boxes with odor-control features. Dr. Caos notes that options with activated carbon filters or odor-trapping systems can significantly reduce and eliminate bad smells, enhancing overall effectiveness.

To avoid unpleasant odors during scooping, the Catit Jumbo hooded cat litter box, typically priced at $54, is an excellent choice. Its active charcoal filter combats stubborn smells, and the detachable swinging door helps contain unwanted aromas.

2. Best Affordable Cat Litter Box: Petmate Open Cat Litter Box; Starting at $8

Looking for a budget-friendly litter box? Pet experts confirm that quality options don’t have to be expensive. Retailers like Amazon and Chewy offer a variety of affordable choices.

Dr. Delgado suggests that a simple, open litter box is often sufficient and more practical. Open designs are not only cost-effective but also encourage more frequent cleaning. She advises scooping twice daily to maintain hygiene.

For a classic, no-frills option, Dr. Delgado recommends the Petmate open cat litter box, starting at $8. Available in up to five sizes, its open-top design makes monitoring and cleaning easier.

3. Best Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box: Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box; $699

Smart home gadgets, from robot vacuums to video doorbells, simplify daily chores. Self-cleaning litter boxes, though often expensive, offer unmatched convenience, especially for busy or mobility-limited cat owners, as noted by Dr. Fadl.

The Litter-Robot 4 by Whisker is a top-tier option, accommodating up to four cats. This advanced model eliminates scooping, minimizes litter tracking, and controls odors effectively. After use, it automatically separates waste from clean litter through a rotating mechanism.

Once the cycle finishes, waste is deposited into a sealed, odor-proof bin for easy disposal. The Whisker App allows you to monitor litter levels and bin status remotely. While some cats may initially be wary of the noise or movement, gradual acclimation can help them adjust.

4. Best Litter Box for Older Cats: Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome; Starting at $40

Older cats often require assistance with mobility, making a litter box with a low entry or ramp essential. Dr. Caos emphasizes that such designs help senior cats with arthritis or limited mobility access the box more comfortably.

The Petmate Booda Clean Step cat litter box dome, priced between $60 and $64, is crafted from recycled materials. Its textured ramp minimizes litter tracking and overflow, while the dome offers privacy. The dome can also be removed for easy cleaning.

Monitoring your senior cat’s litter box habits is crucial. Dr. Caos suggests placing multiple boxes around the house for easier access and observing your cat’s behavior to tailor the setup to their needs as they age.

5. Best Top-Entry Litter Box: IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box; Starting at $37

Top-entry litter boxes are ideal for cats that value privacy. Dr. Caos explains that these boxes create a secluded environment, helping skittish or privacy-loving cats feel more secure during use.

These boxes feature a top opening for cats to jump into, reducing litter tracking and preventing other pets from accessing the litter. Dr. Fadl notes their effectiveness in keeping curious pets away, while Dr. Caos highlights their role in preventing messes and litter consumption by other animals.

The IRIS USA top-entry litter box combines style and functionality. Its rounded design includes a grooved lid to minimize litter scatter, high walls for privacy, and a sturdy lid capable of supporting up to 20 pounds.

6. Best High-Sided Litter Box: Nature’s Miracle Advanced High-Sided Corner Litter Box; $25

Cats that don’t squat fully while relieving themselves benefit from high-sided litter boxes. The taller walls prevent urine from spraying outside, and they also contain litter scatter for cats that dig or kick vigorously.

Dr. Delgado recommends high-sided boxes with low entry points for easy access. The Nature’s Miracle high-sided litter box, priced at $25, features tall walls, a low entry, and a non-stick, antimicrobial surface to prevent litter caking and bacterial growth. Its corner design is ideal for small spaces like apartments.

7. Best Disposable Litter Box: So Phresh Disposable Litter Box, Pack of 2; $20

Dr. Caos highlights that disposable litter boxes are ideal for travel, offering a temporary solution for your cat’s needs. These boxes often come pre-filled with litter, eliminating the need for scooping or cleaning, and can be discarded once soiled.

Priced at $20 for a two-pack, these disposable litter boxes are an affordable option. Made from biodegradable, sustainable fibers, they are sturdy but not leakproof, making them unsuitable for long-term use. For best results, scoop immediately after use or place them on a cat potty pad.

Dr. Caos suggests that reusable litter boxes are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly for long-term use. However, disposable options are handy to have during travel or emergencies.